Chelsea fans show Petr Cech the love as he returns to Stamford Bridge for first time since leaving for Arsenal in the summer 

• Petr Cech returns to Chelsea for first time since leaving for Arsenal
• The 33-year-old was given a warm welcome by the home supporters
• Cech spent 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge before departing this summer 

By Adam Smith For Mailonline

Published: 06:57 EST, 19 September 2015 | Updated: 07:18 EST, 19 September 2015

He may have left to join London rivals Arsenal in the summer but some Chelsea fans still hold their former stopper Petr Cech in the highest regard.

After playing second-fiddle to Thibaut Courtois last season, the Croatian decided to leave the club after 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge.

A banner was put up inside the stadium, as fans showed their was no ill-feeling towards the 33-year-old, despite his departure to one of their biggest Premier League rivals. 

Chelsea fans have hung up a banner showing they still have huge respect for former keeper Petr Cech

The Arsenal keeper was given a raptorous welcome just before kick-off by the Chelsea fans 

The two clubs clash on Saturday lunchtime, as Chelsea look to put their poor start to the season behind them.

Arsenal on the other hand have made a solid yet unspectacular start to the campaign and Arsene Wenger will be hoping to finally get the better of his nemesis Jose Mourinho in the league.  

The Croatian stopper (left) arrived at Stamford Bridge for the first time since leaving for Arsenal

Cech joined the Gunners for £10million in the summer and has established himself as No 1

Two of Cech's former team-mates posted touching tributes to the keeper, as he started in front of a sell-out Stamford Bridge crowd.

New York City midfielder Frank Lampard, who formed a close bond with Cech, took to Instagram to post a throwback picture of the pair at Chelsea's open top-bus parade following their Champions League triumph. 

Lampard said: 'I know big Pete will get the reception he deserves at the Bridge. Chelsea fans will never forget what he did for the club. Great pro and a great bloke who gave his everything for the club to the end. #legend.'

Frank Lampard posted this throwback picture to when him and Cech won the Champions League

Didier Drogba, who is also playing in the MLS with Montreal, was full of praise for the stopper and spoke about their success together. 

He said: '@franklampard I know @petrcech will get the best reception ever from @chelseafc fans as he's been the Guardian of the Blues Temple for all these successful years!!! Enjoy mon Ami, Number one Legend, but...Come on You Bluuuuuuues!!!

'#onceabluealwaysablue #withoutyouthestorywouldbedifferent #leader #bestgoalkeeperintheworld #bluelegend #penaltysaver #historymakers #onenightinmunich #elevenyearsinblue.'

Didier Drogba was also complimentary of his former team-mate in his Instagram post

The Chelsea fans gave Cech a huge round of applause as he made his way into position just prior to kick-off in west London.

And it's no surprise given the fact won he 15 trophies with the club, after joining Roman Abramovich's revolution back in 2004 from French side Rennes.

Despite the respect both have for each other, I'm sure the Chelsea fans won't be apologising if their side come away with all three points.  

Cech won't be doing his former employers any favours on Saturday during the Premier League clash 

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